July 17, 2014 Minutes

APPROVED BY THE PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT #51
PITTSFIELD SCHOOL BOARD

MINUTES

Pittsfield School Board Meeting
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Pittsfield Middle High School

I. CALL TO ORDER

Members Present: Mike Wolfe, Chair
Vanessa Abell
Bea Douglas
Gary Mullen
Ray Ramsey

Others Present: John Freeman, Superintendent of Schools
Tobi Gray Chassie, District Administrator
Derek Hamilton, Dean of Operations
Kathy Lemay, Director of Interventions & Title I Manager
Ross Morse, Community Liaison
Sarah Rollins, Director of College and Career Readiness

Mr. Wolfe called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

II. AGENDA REVIEW

The following items were added to the agenda:
• Non-public session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (c) and (e) (Dr. Freeman)
• Introduction of New Faculty (Ms. Chassie)
• Chestnut Street Property (Mr. Wolfe)

III. ACTION ON AMENDED AGENDA

On a motion made by Mr. Mullen and seconded by Mr. Ramsey, the Board voted unanimously to approve the amended agenda.

IV. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES

A motion was made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Mr. Mullen. On page 5, first paragraph, change tip to trip; on page 8, remove the last sentence of paragraph five. On page 8, last paragraph, change last sentence to read, “Dr. Freeman and Mr. Wolfe agreed to gather more information from the Town Administrator. The Board voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the June 26, 2014, as amended.

V. PUBLIC INPUT

Ms. St. Germain asked for an update regarding enrollment in Kindergarten. Dr. Freeman stated that the current enrollment is forty-five students. Ms. St. Germain asked if the Board has decided to hire another teacher. Mr. Wolfe stated that there would be a discussion by the Board at tonight’s meeting.

Cara Peterson presented information regarding the benefit of small class size.

Mick St. Germain reiterated the concern for the class size in the Kindergarten classes.

Carol Dodge stated her concern regarding the lack of communication between teachers and the parents of students who are failing classes. She suggested that the communication between parents and teachers should be frequent. She stated that with the number of students in our school, it shouldn’t be difficult to maintain strong communication. Ms. Dodge stated her concern that people are not working together to help all students do their best.

Ms. Dodge went on to voice further concern about a note that was written on top of her son’s returned assignment. She had contacted the teacher directly but was concerned that teachers may not be doing their best to help students. Ms. Dodge stated that she likes this town and feels lucky to have such a good school, which she believes can meet the needs of her son.

Finally, Ms. Dodge stated concern about not being allowed to add an item to the School Board meeting agenda. She specifically requested having her concerns added to the agenda, but was told that it wouldn’t be allowed. She felt she had been laughed at by the SAU office personnel taking her call. She asked that her concerns be put on the Board’s agenda and remain there until corrections have been made.

VI. PUBLIC HEARING

Mr. Wolfe stated that in accordance with RSA 198:20-c, the Pittsfield School District will open a public hearing to expend funds from the Drake Field Capital Reserve Fund. The hearing was opened at 5:55 pm.

Dr. Freeman stated that he is working with the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation to secure donated funds to replace playground equipment at Drake Field.

Clayton Wood asked if an updated assessment was made of safety issues. Mr. Wolfe stated that the swings were found to be unsafe and were, therefore, removed. He explained that the playground will be relocated to allow greater accessibility.

Mr. Wood asked if a specific amount is being planned. Mr. Wolfe stated that the Board would like to take up to $15,000 from the Reserve Fund. It is hoped that the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation donors will match the district’s effort.

Merrill Vaughn stated that an article in the local newspaper suggested that the athletic fields in other towns are in better shape than ours. He asked for verification. Mr. Hamilton made comments to provide a comparison of our fields with others.

The public hearing ended at 6:03 p.m.

VII. INTRODUCTIONS

Three newly-hired teachers were introduced by Ms. Chassie. Erin Tiede has been hired to fill a high school social studies position, Kristen Lewis has been hired to fill a grade four teacher vacancy, and Roxanne Prisby has been hired to fill the position of music teacher at the elementary school. All three teachers were welcomed by Mr. Wolfe and other members of the Board.

VIII. SUPERINTENDENT

Dr. Freeman responded to comments made by Ms. Dodge. First, he apologized for being laughed at by office personnel. He indicated his surprise as people in the SAU office usually follow good telephone etiquette. He suggested that Ms. Dodge follow up with individual teachers when she is not satisfied or requires more information. Dr. Freeman assured Ms. Dodge that measures will be taken to ensure that parents, in the future, will be adequately informed when their children are not succeeding in school. He directed Ms. Rollins to work with the Dean of Instruction to refine the district’s system of communications regarding student performance.

IX. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

In the absence of Student Representative Lily Plummer, Mr. Hamilton provided the Board with an update from the Site Council. He stated that the Site Council approved the Wednesday schedule that will be shared later during the Board’s meeting. He also stated that two proposals related to a school-wide late work policy and an update to extra-curricular and co-curricular eligibility were also heard.

X. DIRECTOR OF INTERVENTION

A. KINDERGARTEN

Ms. Lemay distributed proposed schedules for two kindergarten classes, one a full-day plan and one a half-day plan. She reviewed the schedule, providing details of which activities would be available to the students. Following discussion, the Board affirmed its intention that a full-day program be offered to all students.

Dr. Freeman asked Ms. Lemay to contact the parents who had previously been concerned about a full day program. Accommodations will be made for parents who would like to have their child only attend for a half day.

Dr. Freeman reiterated that forty-five students are currently enrolled for the fall kindergarten program. Ms. Lemay stated that the cost of $90,000 has been estimated for the addition of a classroom. Dr. Freeman stated that other options are available, including the possible submission of a request for waiver to the New Hampshire Department of Education regarding the class size maximum of twenty-five students per primary grade classroom, should the enrollment increase beyond fifty students.

Dr. Freeman stated that other options include 1) do nothing; 2) add another teacher and classroom; and 3) add personnel to the existing two classrooms.

Ms. Douglas stated that she would be in favor of adding a third classroom due to her concerns about a high number of students in Kindergarten.

Dr. Freeman stated that an advertisement was posted for a kindergarten teacher in the event the Board decides to add the additional class.

A paraprofessional would cost approximately $21,000 and a teacher would cost approximately $60,000. Space that would be allocated for another classroom has been designated; previously a first grade classroom, it would not be as large as the other two rooms and some play equipment will not fit.

Ms. Abell asked if it would be detrimental for the third classroom to be located so far away from the other two. Ms. Lemay stated that the selected classroom would be next door to the preschool, providing a “buddy” classroom.

On a motion made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Ms. Abell, the Board voted unanimously to approve the hiring of a third Kindergarten teacher.

Dr. Freeman acknowledged the research and analysis completed by Ms. Lemay that supported the Board in making an informed decision regarding kindergarten classes. The Board echoed his accolades.

B. PES LIBRARY

Ms. Lemay reported that Betsy Damon has been hired to fill the PES library / media specialist position.

C. PES SUMMER PROGRAM

The summer program began on July 7 and will run through August 7. She reported that eighty students are enrolled.

D. COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM

Ms. Lemay reported that all Pittsfield children under the age of eighteen are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch through a federally funded program. The children at the Drake Field summer program and the summer program at PES are provided with an opportunity to participate.

XI. DEAN OF INSTRUCTION

A. PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

Ms. Harvey, who remains on child care leave, reported an update on summer professional learning activities being offered for staff.

B. HIRING UPDATES

Ms. Harvey provided an update on positions in the process of being hired.

XII. DEAN OF OPERATIONS

A. WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE

Mr. Hamilton provided a proposed PMHS schedule for Wednesdays. It offers consistency in the middle and high school schedules, a bi-weekly rotation of regular classes, and a flex block for meetings at the end of the school day. The schedule was approved by the Site Council and the PMHS team leaders.

Dr. Freeman thanked the School Board for their support of allowing a willingness to experiment with innovative ideas that may be of benefit to the district’s students.

On a motion made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to approve the proposed Wednesday schedule as presented.

B. FACILITIES

Mr. Hamilton reported on the progress at Drake Field, which includes lighting replacements, installation of the irrigation system, pump house, and score board. Mr. Hamilton also informed the Board of PES room changes and PMHS trim painting.

C. HIRING UPDATE

Mr. Hamilton informed the Board that a PMHS administrative assistant candidate has been hired. Interviews for a student support center paraprofessional will resume next week.

D. PATCH REPORT

The annual review of the school-based health clinic – PATCH – was provided to the Board.

E. SITE COUNCIL

The Site Council will continue to meet on a bi-weekly over the summer.

F. SUMMER PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

Mr. Hamilton reviewed the professional learning opportunities that have been provided in his area of responsibility.

XIII. DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS

A. ADVISORY

Dr. Rollins stated that the Advisory Council will gather to further revise the framework for the Advisory program that reflects the district mission.

B. WEBSITE

Work will continue on the webpages to reflect the new department of College and Career Readiness.

C. PITTSFIELD PARENT CONNECTION

Dr. Rollins explained that the PPC is in the process of reorganizing itself with the assistance of Molly Messenger.

D. EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

The executive function focus group met to bring together resources and ideas collected over the year and to discuss how to implement these skills and lessons within the Advisory program.

E. COLLEGE & CAREER STRATEGIC PLANNING

This summer, Dr. Rollins will be meeting with the College Board to create a strategic plan for development of a college and career initiative at PES.

XIV. SUPERINTENDENT (Continued)

A. POLICIES

Dr. Freeman provided policies for the Board’s review. Minor changes were recommended for Policy GBGA – Employee Health & Safety and Policy GBL – Personnel Records. There were no changes recommended for Policy GCB – Professional Staff Contracts. Rescission was recommended for Policy GCBB – Professional Staff Travel Reimbursement.

On a motion made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Ms. Abell, the School Board unanimously accepted the recommendations proposed by the superintendent.

XV. SCHOOL BOARD

A. CHESTNUT STREET PROPERTY

Mr. Wolfe stated that he met with Town Administrator Mike Williams regarding collaboration on the Chestnut Street property as a potential parking lot for Drake Field events. Mr. Wolfe said the Board is interested in investigating the possibility of helping to purchase the property but wants nothing to do with the razing of the house.

XVI. PUBLIC INPUT (2nd Session) – None
.
XVII. NEXT MEETING

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 14, 2014, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pittsfield Middle High School.

XVIII. NON-PUBLIC SESSION

At 6:55 p.m., a motion was made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Mr. Mullen to enter into non-public session to discuss potential litigation and a personnel pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II (c and e). The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Abell, yes; Ms. Douglas, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes; Mr. Ramsey, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes) to enter into a non-public session.

A. POTENTIAL LITIGATION

The Board discussed potential litigation relative to unsatisfactory service provided by a contractor at PMHS.

B. PERSONNEL ISSUE

Dr. Freeman provided an update on a personnel issue previously discussed by the Board.

The Board discussed a second personnel issue that was recently raised by a parent.

No action was taken in non-public session.

At 7:22 p.m., a motion was made by Ms. Douglas and seconded by Ms. Abell to exit the non-public session and re-enter into open session. The Board was polled and voted unanimously (Ms. Abell, yes; Ms. Douglas, yes; Mr. Mullen, yes; Mr. Ramsey, yes; Mr. Wolfe, yes) to exit from the non-public session and to re-enter into open session.

XIX. ADJOURNMENT

On a motion made by Ms. Abell and seconded by Mr. Mullen, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 7:23 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tobi Gray Chassie
Recording Secretary